Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus (1) comprising a main magnetic system (2) for generating a main magnetic field in an examination volume (7) which is enclosed by the main magnetic system (2). The MRI apparatus also comprises a magnetic gradient coil system (3) comprising gradient coils. The gradient coil system (3) is accommodated between the main magnetic system and the examination volume in order to generate gradients of the main magnetic field. The MRI apparatus also comprises a vacuum space (13). According to the invention, the gradient coil system only partly adjoins the vacuum space, that is, by way of its side which faces the examination volume. Thus, the examination volume is effectively shielded from acoustic vibrations caused by the gradient coil system in operation, while, in a specific embodiment, the end sides (22) of the gradient coil system are available for electrical and mechanical connections outside the vacuum space.